WTRF (WV)

69-year-old walks from Denver to Washington, D.C. for a cause

By Logan Ratick

WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) - Bob McCormick wants to leave the world a better place than he found it.

The 69-year-old's goal is to raise awareness for what he calls "intergenerational justice."

"I have grandchildren and I am concerned about their health long-term," said McCormick. "Not only theirs, future humans. When I refer to future humans, I'm actually including all of those who aren't here yet of course, but also those who are here and aren't really decision-makers, like my grandchildren. They're just going to have to deal with the decisions we make."

To create awareness for this cause, McCormick decided to walk from his home in Denver, Colorado to Washington, D.C. The trip is 1,700 miles long.

McCormick left his house in Denver on August 1st. On November 12, he took a day of rest in Wheeling before setting out for his next stop: Washington, Pennsylvania.

McCormick only brought the essentials on his trip: a stroller, clothing, camping gear and whatever else he could fit on his person.

In the past, he's had surgeries on his hips and knees.

While he is concerned with the problems that he says this generation has left for the next, McCormick has seen the good in many people throughout the United States of America.

"People have offered me a place to stay," McCormick said. "They've picked up tabs when I'm sitting in a restaurant having a meal. Many people with waters come out of there homes. Apples, food..."

Having spent a lot of time alongside highways, McCormick has noticed one particularly generous group of Americans.

"Truck drivers, big semis," he said. "When they pull over. They're paid by the mile and time wise. And they're stopping and getting out of they're truck and say 'hey I've seen you.' They drive that route. I've seen you a few times. Here's my dinner and I'd like you to have it."